A qualitative analysis of employers’ perspectives on the increase of employing autistic individuals at IT companies in Ireland

Schlagner, Karolina (2022) A qualitative analysis of employers’ perspectives on the increase of employing autistic individuals at IT companies in Ireland. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are a growing group of people who face constant barriers in finding successful employment opportunities in IT companies. Understanding the challenges that impact employment and integration into a workplace, is crucial to improve this situation. The perspective of the employer must be examined to understand what factors influence their decision on employing autistic people. The purpose of this study is to take a thematic approach and examine Irish employers via semi-structured interviews. The findings emerged into four themes and a few trends developed while analysing the outcomes. The results showed positive attitudes towards employing people with ASD, however the level of knowledge where to obtain more information and support was very low. Employers expressed that autistic employees’ requirements need to be communicated in a clear way, so that the work expectations and the workplace can be adjusted accordingly. The employers identified that third party support services are very important in the process of background check, recruitment and transition of the autistic person into the workplace. The findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of employers’ needs and how they can better prepare for hiring and employing more people with ASD. The implications of the research can lead to more job opportunities and increased number of placements for autistic people. Higher employment rate within people with ASD will also improve other outcomes, including quality of life of autistic people.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management > Diversity H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Issues of Labour and Work > Employment of People with Disabilities D History General and Old World > DA Great Britain > Ireland H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Specific Industries > I.T. Industry
Divisions:	School of Business > Master of Arts in Human Resource Management
Depositing User:	Clara Chan
Date Deposited:	21 Nov 2022 16:47
Last Modified:	21 Nov 2022 16:47
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/5914

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